JP6576227B2 - Imaging apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that performs intermittent imaging, a control method thereof, and a program.

  Conventionally, so-called interval imaging is known as an imaging method for acquiring a plurality of images by executing intermittent imaging at predetermined time intervals. Patent Document 1 proposes an imaging apparatus that performs automatic exposure control based on a photometric value obtained by measuring subject light for each continuous shooting in interval shooting.

  Further, as a method for confirming the composition at the time of shooting, it is known to perform so-called live view display (hereinafter referred to as LV display) in which images acquired by executing sequential imaging are sequentially displayed on a display unit. Yes. As exposure control when executing the LV display, in order to reduce the uncomfortable feeling given to the user, the degree of change in exposure is made slower than the exposure control when executing imaging for acquiring a still image. Technology is known. For example, in Patent Document 2, during live view display, exposure control is performed based on information such as the brightness of the subject, the change speed of the camera position, and the change speed of the imaging direction (change speed of the imaging area). A technique for suppressing frequent changes in exposure has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-139029 JP 2013-126091 A

  However, Patent Document 1 does not mention performing LV display during interval shooting. Therefore, even if the technique described in Patent Document 2 is applied to the technique described in Patent Document 1, intermittent imaging is performed only by performing exposure control based on the brightness of the subject and the change speed of the imaging region. Exposure control is not possible in consideration of the timing and LV display instruction timing.

  Here, if LV display is instructed during interval shooting, intermittent imaging may be executed during the gradual change of exposure with respect to the luminance change of the subject as exposure control during LV display. There is. In this case, in accordance with the change in the brightness of the subject, since the imaging is performed in a state where the exposure setting corresponding to the brightness of the subject after the change is not completed, it is not suitable for a still image. That is, an image with brightness that is not suitable for interval shooting is acquired.

  An object of the present invention is to suppress the acquisition of an image with brightness that is not suitable for interval shooting when an instruction to perform live view display is given during interval shooting.

  An image pickup apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object is an image pickup apparatus that includes an image pickup means and has an interval shooting mode for performing intermittent image pickup, wherein the light metering means that measures a subject, and the photometry result of the photometry means An exposure control unit that performs exposure control based on the display unit, and a display unit that performs live view display of an image acquired using the imaging unit. The exposure control unit includes the display in the interval shooting mode. If live view display on the display unit is not performed and if an instruction to perform live view display is given after a predetermined timing between the intermittent imaging, the live view display on the display unit is started. If the first exposure control is executed before and an instruction to execute live view display is given before the predetermined timing, the live view on the display unit is displayed. Wherein the change degree than the first exposure control in accordance with the start of the over the display to execute the second exposure control for controlling the exposure so as to moderate.

  The present invention can suppress the acquisition of an image with unnatural brightness even when execution of live view display is instructed during interval shooting.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera 1 that is an embodiment of an imaging apparatus that implements the present invention. It is a figure explaining the appearance figure (rear view) of digital camera 1 concerning an embodiment of the present invention exemplarily. It is a flowchart explaining the interval imaging | photography process of the digital camera 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the exposure control method of the digital camera 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention exemplarily. It is the figure which illustrated exemplarily the timing chart regarding exposure control and display control of the digital camera 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

(Embodiment)
(Basic configuration of digital camera 1)
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) 1 which is an embodiment of an imaging apparatus embodying the present invention. One or more of the functional blocks shown in FIG. 1 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or a programmable logic array (PLA), or may be realized by a programmable processor such as a CPU or MPU executing software. May be. Further, it may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. Therefore, in the following description, even when different functional blocks are described as the operation subject, the same hardware can be realized as the subject.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera 1 of this embodiment includes a camera body 100 and a lens unit 200. The lens unit 200 can be freely attached to and detached from the camera body 100. Hereinafter, the configuration of the camera 1 in a state in which the lens unit 200 is attached to the camera body 100 will be exemplarily described with reference to FIG. The camera 1 may have a configuration in which the camera body 100 and the lens unit 200 are integrally provided.

  The camera control unit 101 is a camera control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the camera body 100 and includes a camera microcomputer (camera CPU) (not shown). The camera control unit 101 also includes a built-in timer 101a that can measure time. The built-in timer 101a is a real-time clock, and performs time measurement based on information such as timer accuracy stored in advance in a memory 102, which will be described later, and a preset time zone. The control contents of the camera control unit 101 will be described in the description of various operations described later. The memory 102 is a recording medium capable of recording data relating to the operation of the camera 1 and various data acquired using the camera 1. The memory 102 of this embodiment includes a ROM area as a nonvolatile memory and a RAM area as a volatile memory.

  The lens control unit 201 is a lens control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the lens unit 200, and includes a lens microcomputer (lens CPU) (not shown). With the lens unit 200 attached to the camera body 100, the lens control unit 201 can communicate with the camera control unit 101 via an interface (IF).

  The imaging lens group 202 is a lens group including a plurality of lenses such as a shift lens, a zoom lens, and a focus lens, and can guide a light beam indicating an optical image of a subject to the camera body 100 side. The diaphragm 203 is a light amount adjusting member for adjusting the amount of light related to the speed of light transmitted through the imaging lens group 202. Driving of the imaging lens group 202 and the diaphragm 203 is controlled by the lens control unit 201.

  The image pickup device 103 is an image pickup means that employs a charge storage type solid-state image pickup device such as a CMOS, and photoelectrically converts a light beam incident through the lens unit 200 and outputs analog image data. The shutter 104 is a shielding member capable of shielding a light beam incident on the image sensor 103. The shutter 104 is capable of transitioning between a retracted state that guides the incident light beam to the image sensor 103 without shielding it and a shielded state that shields the incident light beam.

  The A / D conversion unit 105 is a first conversion unit that converts analog image data output from the image sensor 103 into digital image data. The image processing unit 106 is an image processing unit that performs resize processing such as predetermined image interpolation and reduction, color conversion processing, and calculation processing of the number of pixel data such as saturated pixels and blackout pixels on digital image data. The D / A conversion unit 108 is a second conversion unit that converts digital image data into analog image data for display. The memory control unit 107 is a recording control unit that controls input / output of image data to / from each unit such as the A / D conversion unit 105, the image processing unit 106, and the D / A conversion unit 108. Note that the imaging means in the present embodiment may be configured to include the A / D conversion unit 105, the image processing unit 106, the D / A conversion unit 108, and the like as configurations other than the imaging element 103.

  A timing generator (hereinafter referred to as TG) 110 is a timing generation means for transmitting timing related to each operation of the camera 1 to each part of the camera 1. For example, the TG 110 can generate timings such as timing of charge accumulation and frame rate change in the image sensor 103 and timing of changing the state of the shutter 104.

  The display unit 109 is a display unit configured by a TFT type LCD (Thin Film Transistor Driven Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and can display analog image data for display. The display unit 109 is also a display unit for performing so-called live view display (hereinafter referred to as LV display) that sequentially displays image data acquired using the image sensor 103. The display unit 109 can also display various information other than the acquired image data.

  The release button 111 is an imaging instruction unit that instructs the imaging preparation operation using the camera 1 and the start of the imaging operation. When the user changes the release button 111 to the SW1 state (for example, half-press), the start of imaging preparation operation is instructed, and subject distance calculation (AF control processing), photometric value calculation (photometric calculation processing), and the like are executed. Is done. In addition, when the user changes the release button 111 to the SW2 state (for example, fully pressed), the start of the imaging operation is instructed, and a series of processes from capturing the subject to acquiring the image is started. When the imaging mode is set to the interval shooting mode described later, intermittent imaging based on the preset total number of imaging is executed in response to the release button 111 being set to the SW2 state. .

  The operation unit 112 is an operation unit for inputting various operation instructions to the camera control unit 101. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external view (rear view) of the camera 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 indicate the first operation unit 112a and the second operation unit 112b, respectively. The first operation unit 112a includes a direction instruction button for instructing various operations related to imaging and an LV button for instructing execution and termination of LV display on the display unit 109. The second operation unit 112b includes a power switch and a mode dial for setting an imaging mode. Note that if a capacitive touch panel or the like is employed as the display unit 109, the display unit 109 may be configured to use both the release button 111 and the operation unit 112. In this case, the user can operate the UI displayed on the display unit 109 to set each item described above. The display control unit 113 is a display control unit that comprehensively controls display of image data using the display unit 109. The display control unit 113 controls selection of image data to be displayed on the display unit 109 and on / off (display / non-display) of the display unit 109 according to an instruction from the camera control unit 101.

  As the imaging mode described above, the camera 1 can set a normal still image mode, a normal moving image mode, and an interval shooting mode. The normal still image mode is an imaging mode for acquiring one image data (still image) for recording. The normal moving image mode is an imaging mode in which a moving image is acquired by sequentially connecting a plurality of image data acquired by executing charge accumulation (imaging) a plurality of times per second using the image sensor 103. The interval shooting mode is an imaging mode in which so-called interval shooting is performed in which intermittent imaging is performed at predetermined time intervals.

  In the interval shooting mode of the present embodiment, a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by executing intermittent imaging are joined in the order of acquisition (the order of imaging), and a moving image ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as a time-lapse moving image).

  This interval shooting mode is an imaging mode in which the number of times of image pickup (charge accumulation) executed per second is smaller than that of the above-described normal moving image mode, and the time interval of image pickup between continuous image pickup is long. Specifically, in the normal moving image mode of the present embodiment, imaging can be performed up to 60 times per second (60 fps is set), but the interval of intermittent imaging in the interval imaging mode (hereinafter referred to as imaging interval). The minimum value is 1 second (once per second). Therefore, in the normal moving image mode, the imaging time for acquiring a moving image and the reproduction time of the acquired moving image are substantially the same, whereas in the interval shooting mode, the total imaging for acquiring one time-lapse moving image. Video playback time is short with respect to time.

  Note that the imaging interval in the interval shooting mode described above can be adjusted (set) in units of one second by the user, but is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the imaging interval can be adjusted for each time interval other than 1 second, or the user may select an arbitrary imaging interval from preset imaging intervals.

  The AF control unit 114 calculates the distance to the subject to be imaged (subject distance) using the image data acquired using the image sensor 103, and the AF related to the operation of the imaging lens group 202 based on the subject distance. Focus control means for calculating a control value. Further, the AF control unit 114 operates the imaging lens group 202 based on the calculated AF control value, so that the in-focus position of the imaging lens group 202 can be brought into a state in which it is matched with the subject to be imaged. In the present embodiment, the AF control value is calculated based on the contrast information of the acquired image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the image sensor 103 has a phase difference detection pixel (which may also be used as an image pickup pixel), it is based on phase difference information using the phase difference detection pixel. Then, the AF control value may be calculated. Further, the AF control value may be calculated using a so-called AF sensor other than the image sensor 103.

  The photometric unit 115 is a photometric unit that measures a subject to be imaged, and acquires a photometric value as a photometric result obtained by measuring the subject. Specifically, the photometry unit 115 divides image data acquired using the image sensor 103 into a plurality of blocks, and calculates an average luminance value of each block. Then, the photometric unit 115 integrates the average luminance value of each block to obtain a representative luminance value. In the following description, this representative luminance value is used as a photometric value for various processes and controls such as exposure control. In the present embodiment, the photometric value is acquired using the image sensor 103, but the photometric value can also be acquired using a photometric sensor (not shown) other than the image sensor 103.

  The exposure control unit 116 is an exposure control unit that controls exposure when acquiring image data, and calculates an exposure (appropriate exposure) according to the photometric value acquired by the photometric unit 115. The exposure control values that can be controlled by the exposure control unit 116 are an aperture value related to the aperture 203, a charge accumulation time, an analog and a digital gain amount (photographing sensitivity). The memory 102 stores in advance information regarding proper exposure corresponding to the photometric value. The exposure control unit 116 can control the exposure according to the luminance change of the subject by setting an appropriate exposure based on this information. As an exposure control method by the exposure control unit 116, two exposure controls with different exposure change degrees (change speeds) and exposure control in accordance with intermittent imaging (exposure control before main imaging) can be executed.

  This exposure control method will be specifically described. In the present embodiment, the exposure control unit 116 can change the degree of change in exposure depending on whether or not the LV display is displayed on the display unit 109. When the LV display is not executed, it is desirable to execute the exposure control quickly so that the exposure corresponds to the brightness of the subject according to the user's instruction in order to shorten the release time lag. On the other hand, during execution of LV display, it is desirable to execute exposure control so that the brightness of the subject during LV display does not change suddenly in order to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable. . Therefore, the exposure control unit 116 controls the exposure so that the degree of change with respect to the change in the brightness of the subject becomes gentler when the LV display is performed than when the LV display is not performed on the display unit 109. be able to. The details of the exposure control when executing the LV display will be described in the description of the interval photographing process described later.

  Note that the photometric unit 115 may not be able to calculate an accurate photometric value of a subject using only one piece of image data acquired using the image sensor 103 or a photometric sensor (not shown). For example, if the brightness of the subject is extremely bright or dark with respect to the exposure at the time of imaging, the subject brightness (brightness) does not fit in the dynamic range related to the brightness of the image data acquired by one imaging. It is not possible to calculate an accurate photometric value. Therefore, the camera control unit 101 acquires a plurality of photometric image data with different exposures, and the photometric unit 115 acquires an accurate photometric value of the subject based on the image data with different exposures (hereinafter, referred to as “photographing”). (Referred to as AE scan operation). Note that, as the AE scan operation, image data with different exposures may be acquired in order, or a plurality of images with different exposures may be acquired at once based on a preset exposure difference. Also good.

  The external recording medium 300 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk capable of recording image data recorded in the memory 102. The external recording medium 300 is not limited to a memory card that can be inserted into and removed from the camera body 100, and may be an optical disk such as a DVD-RW disk or a magnetic disk such as a hard disk. The above is the basic configuration of the camera of this embodiment.

(Imaging operation)
Hereinafter, a subject imaging operation using the camera 1 will be described. Hereinafter, operations common to the above-described imaging modes will be described. First, the camera control unit 101 detects that the release button 111 has been operated, and starts a subject imaging preparation operation. As an imaging preparation operation, first, the shutter 104 is in a retracted state, and a light beam incident through the imaging lens group 202 forms an image on the imaging element 103. Next, an exposure for photometry is set based on information recorded in advance in the memory 102 by the exposure control unit 116, and the camera control unit 101 executes imaging with this exposure. The A / D conversion unit 105 performs sampling adjustment, gain adjustment, and A / D conversion on the analog image data output from the image sensor 103 by imaging, and outputs digital image data. The image processing unit 106 performs various image processing on the digital image data output from the A / D conversion unit 105.

  Next, the photometry unit 115 measures the subject based on the acquired digital image data and acquires a photometric value. Then, the exposure control unit 116 performs exposure control based on the acquired photometric value. At this time, the camera control unit 101 and the exposure control unit 116 execute an AE scan operation as necessary. The AF control unit 114 calculates an AF control value based on the acquired image data, and the lens control unit 201 controls the lens position of the imaging lens group 202 based on the calculated AF control value (AF control). The above is the imaging preparation operation of the camera 1.

  When the imaging preparation operation of the camera 1 is completed, the camera control unit 101 executes imaging based on the previously set exposure (appropriate exposure) and the lens position of the imaging lens group 202, and acquires analog image data. Thereafter, the operation up to the image processing by the image processing unit 106 is as described above, and the description thereof is omitted. Digital image data subjected to various image processing (for recording) is recorded in the memory 102 by the memory control unit 107. The display control unit 113 displays the analog image data for display converted by the D / A conversion unit 108 on the display unit 109. The basic imaging operation of the camera 1 has been described above. Note that when the imaging mode is the normal moving image mode, the camera 1 acquires a moving image by repeatedly executing substantially the same operation as the above-described operation. When the imaging mode is the interval shooting mode, the camera 1 can acquire a time-lapse moving image by repeating substantially the same operation as described above in accordance with the intermittent imaging. Note that the description of the exposure control method in the normal still image mode and the normal moving image mode is omitted for the sake of brevity.

(Interval shooting process)
Hereinafter, processing for performing intermittent imaging (hereinafter referred to as interval imaging processing) when the imaging mode is set to the interval imaging mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating interval shooting processing of the camera 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3, the imaging interval and the total imaging count (or total imaging time) in the interval shooting are set in advance by the user, and the first imaging is completed according to the user's imaging instruction. ing. Since the first imaging in the interval shooting mode is substantially the same as the imaging operation described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the interval shooting process is started in response to the completion of the first shooting in the interval shooting mode, the built-in timer 101a starts measuring the time related to the interval shooting process in step S301. The time measurement by the built-in timer 101a is executed in parallel with each process described below.

  Next, in step S302, the display control unit 113 changes the display state of the LV display on the display unit 109 to off. That is, in step S302, the display control unit 113 controls the display unit 109 not to perform LV display. Note that turning off the LV display in step S302 may be a configuration in which the display of the display unit 109 is turned off, or a configuration in which the sequential display update in the LV display is not executed.

  In the interval shooting mode, it is possible to acquire a time-lapse movie in which a temporal change of a subject is compressed by sequentially connecting a plurality of image data acquired by executing intermittent imaging. Accordingly, even when moving images having the same playback time are acquired, the interval shooting mode requires an imaging operation required to acquire one moving image (or image data for moving images) than the normal moving image mode. long. In this case, since the power consumption of the camera 1 increases according to the length of the imaging operation, the power consumption of the camera 1 is longer in the interval shooting mode than in the normal moving image mode when moving images having the same playback time are acquired. Will increase. Therefore, the power consumption of the camera 1 can be reduced by executing the processing in step S302 to turn off the LV display on the display unit 109 between successive imaging. In addition to the LV display on the display unit 109, an operation unnecessary for the interval shooting process may be stopped. For example, among the units constituting the camera 1, only the power supply to the parts necessary for executing the processing of each step illustrated in FIG. 3 such as the camera control unit 101 and the built-in timer 101a is continued, and to other parts The power supply may be stopped.

  Next, in step S303, the camera control unit 101 determines whether or not an instruction to execute LV display on the display unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as an LV display instruction) is given by the user. If it is determined that the LV display instruction has not been given (YES in step S303), in step S304, the camera control unit 101 determines whether or not the time measurement by the built-in timer 101a has reached the automatic metering timing.

  The automatic metering timing is a timing at which the camera 1 automatically executes a metering operation for each intermittent imaging (main imaging) in the interval shooting mode (hereinafter referred to as automatic metering). Therefore, the automatic metering timing is a timing for starting the imaging preparation operation, and is set in consideration of the imaging preparation operation and the time required for the imaging operation when executing each imaging in the interval shooting mode. Information regarding the automatic photometry timing is stored in the memory 102 in advance. In the present embodiment, the automatic metering timing is set to a timing 0.5 seconds before the actual imaging is executed, but is not limited to this. As the automatic photometry timing, any timing may be set as long as the imaging preparation operation and the imaging operation can be completed.

  If the camera control unit 101 determines that the time measurement by the built-in timer 101a has not reached the automatic photometry timing (NO in step S304), the process returns to step S303. If the camera control unit 101 determines that the time measurement by the built-in timer 101a has reached the automatic photometry timing (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, the camera control unit 101 acquires image data for photometry using the image sensor 103. Then, the photometric unit 115 acquires a photometric value based on the image data. When an AE scan operation is necessary, the AE scan operation is appropriately performed by the photometry unit 115.

  In step S306, the exposure control unit 116 calculates an appropriate exposure based on the photometric value acquired by the photometric unit 115. Then, the exposure control unit 116 performs exposure control (exposure control before main imaging) based on the appropriate exposure. Note that since it is not necessary to consider the appearance of the LV display on the display unit 109, in the process of step S306, exposure control is executed so that the degree of change in exposure becomes steeper toward the set exposure (appropriate exposure). . In step S307, the exposure control unit 116 determines whether the pre-imaging exposure control (change to proper exposure) has been completed. The processes in steps S305 to S307 are repeated until the change to the proper exposure is completed.

  Next, in step S319, the camera control unit 101 uses the image sensor 103 to perform imaging (main imaging) at the appropriate exposure set previously. The imaging corresponds to each imaging of intermittent imaging in the interval shooting mode. And the camera control part 101 acquires the image data for recording used for the production | generation of a time-lapse moving image by performing the said imaging.

  The image data acquired in the process of step S318 is recorded in the memory 102 after being subjected to the various conversions and processes described above. At this time, the image processing unit 106 associates information regarding the acquired order with the acquired image data. The camera control unit 101 generates a time-lapse moving image by connecting the image data based on the acquired information regarding the order.

  Next, in step S320, the camera control unit 101 resets the time measurement by the built-in timer 101a. Next, in step S321, the camera control unit 101 determines whether or not the current imaging count has reached a preset total imaging count. When the camera control unit 101 determines that the number of imaging has not reached the total number of imaging (NO in step S321), the camera control unit 101 starts a new time measurement by the built-in timer 101a, and in step S303. Return to processing. If the camera control unit 101 determines that the number of imaging has reached the total number of imaging (YES in step S321), the camera control unit 101 ends the current interval shooting process.

  Next, a case will be described in which it is determined that an LV display instruction has been issued by the user between successive imaging (YES in step S303). At the time of imaging using the imaging apparatus, it is conceivable that the user instructs the execution of LV display on the display unit in order to confirm the composition. In particular, in the interval shooting mode that takes a relatively long time from the start to the end of imaging, in order to prevent image data unintended by the user from being acquired in accordance with the influence of changes in the surrounding environment or movement of the subject, the LV The importance of composition confirmation by display is high.

  However, when execution of LV display is instructed in the interval shooting mode, there is a case where imaging is performed with an exposure that is not suitable for the intermittent imaging during intermittent imaging. This case will be specifically described. For example, when an LV display instruction is given while LV is not displayed in the interval shooting mode, intermittent shooting (interval shooting) is performed if intermittent shooting is performed before the exposure control for executing LV display is completed. An image with brightness not suitable for () is acquired. In other words, while the LV display is being executed, the exposure is controlled so that the degree of change becomes gradual. Therefore, if the timing of imaging in interval shooting overlaps during the exposure control, recording is performed in a state where the appropriate exposure cannot be set. Imaging is performed. In particular, in the interval shooting mode, since the LV display is turned off between successive imaging operations, it takes a relatively long time to set the proper exposure after restarting the LV display. Get higher.

  Therefore, the camera 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not a display instruction is given before a predetermined timing between intermittent imaging when the LV display is not executed in the interval shooting mode. The above-mentioned problem is addressed by switching the exposure control method. The details will be described below.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in step S <b> 308, the camera control unit 101 determines whether or not an LV display instruction is generated before a preset non-display timing in accordance with a user operation. If the camera control unit 101 determines that an LV display instruction has been given before the non-display timing (YES in step S308), the process proceeds to step S309. If the camera control unit 101 determines that an LV display instruction has been issued after the non-display timing (NO in step S308), the process proceeds to step S316.

  The process of step S308 is a process for determining whether or not the composition can be sufficiently confirmed by the user. As described above, in the interval shooting mode, the imaging preparation operation is started at the automatic photometry timing. Therefore, for example, if the time from the LV display instruction by the user to the automatic photometry timing is short, the LV display on the display unit 109 cannot be executed in a time sufficient to confirm the composition.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 113 is configured not to execute the LV display on the display unit 109 when the user gives an LV display instruction after a preset non-display timing. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the LV display from being executed at a timing at which sufficient composition confirmation cannot be performed, and to suppress unnecessary power consumption in the camera 1.

  In the present embodiment, as the non-display timing described above, a timing one second before each imaging in intermittent imaging is set, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured such that the non-display timing and the automatic photometry timing are made the same with priority given to the LV display instruction by the user. With this configuration, since it is possible to prevent the LV display from being executed at least at the timing of executing the imaging preparation operation, the brightness is not suitable for interval shooting while giving priority to the user's intention to execute the LV display. It is possible to prevent an image from being acquired. In addition, when an LV display instruction is given after the non-display timing in step S308, the LV display may be executed after the next imaging in the interval imaging is executed. With this configuration, it is possible to execute LV display while taking a sufficient time for composition confirmation in accordance with an LV display instruction from the user while preventing an image having a brightness unsuitable for interval shooting from being acquired. it can.

  Next, in step S309, the camera control unit 101 determines whether an LV display instruction has been given by the user prior to a predetermined timing. If the camera control unit 101 determines that an LV display instruction has been given before the predetermined timing (YES in step S309), the process proceeds to step S311. If the camera control unit 101 determines that an LV display instruction has been given after a predetermined timing (NO in step S309), the process proceeds to step S310.

  In the process of step S309, from the timing when the LV display instruction is given by the user, whether exposure corresponding to the brightness of the subject can be set by executing exposure control so that the degree of change is gradual while executing LV display. This is a process for determining whether or not. In other words, the processing in step S309 completes the exposure control until the next imaging (automatic metering timing) in the intermittent imaging even if the exposure control is performed such that the degree of change in exposure becomes moderate with the LV display. This is a process for determining whether or not it is possible. Therefore, the predetermined timing is set to a timing at which the exposure corresponding to the maximum value can be changed from the minimum value that can be set in the camera 1 while executing the LV display on the display unit 109 before the automatic photometry timing. In the present embodiment, the predetermined timing is set to a timing 2 seconds before each imaging in the interval shooting, but is not limited to this. For example, the exposure control unit 116 may control the predetermined timing in accordance with the exposure that can be set in the camera 1, the degree of exposure change that takes into account the appearance of LV display (or the exposure change speed), and the like. . In the present embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the predetermined timing described above is referred to as a first timing, and the automatic metering timing is referred to as a second timing. The second timing is a time until the next imaging in intermittent imaging. Is shorter than the first timing. To summarize the above, the relationship between the timings between successive imaging is as follows: automatic photometry timing (second timing) ≦ non-display timing <predetermined timing (first timing) )

  Next, in step S310, the photometry unit 115 measures the subject and calculates a photometric value. And the exposure control part 116 performs 1st exposure control based on the said photometric value. This first exposure control is exposure control in which the degree of change is steep with respect to the photometric value, and is not exposure control in consideration of the appearance of the LV display. Next, in step S311, the display control unit 113 controls the display unit 109 to start LV display after the first exposure control by the exposure control unit 116 is completed. In step S312, the exposure control unit 116 executes second exposure control for controlling the exposure so that the degree of change is more gradual than the first exposure control with the start of LV display on the display unit 109. Thus, the exposure according to the brightness of the subject is maintained.

  As described above, when an LV display instruction is given after a predetermined timing, even if the exposure control is performed in consideration of the appearance of the LV display as described above, the exposure is performed until the next imaging in the intermittent imaging. The control cannot be completed. Therefore, when the LV display instruction is given after a predetermined timing, the camera 1 according to the present embodiment executes the first exposure control in which the exposure change degree toward the photometric value becomes steep, and the first exposure control is performed. After the exposure control is completed, LV display on the display unit 109 is started. Then, with the start of LV display, second exposure control is executed to control the exposure so that the degree of change is more gradual than the first exposure control.

  If the camera control unit 101 determines in step S309 that the LV display instruction has been given before the predetermined timing, the exposure control unit 116 executes the second exposure control with the start of the LV display. In other words, when the LV display instruction is given by the user before the predetermined timing, the exposure control (first exposure control) is not executed before the LV display is started. In this case, the photometry of the subject is performed by the photometry unit 115 prior to the second exposure control.

  Here, the first exposure control and the second exposure control described above with reference to FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for exemplarily explaining the exposure control method of the camera 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4A is an exposure per unit time when the first exposure control is executed. It is the figure explaining illustratively the degree of change. FIG. 4B is a diagram exemplarily explaining the degree of change in exposure per unit time when the second exposure control is executed. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, when executing the first exposure control, the exposure control unit 116 changes the exposure for three stages in APEX units during a period of one frame for acquiring and reading image data. it can. As shown in FIG. 4B, when executing the second exposure control, the exposure control unit 116 performs 0.5 steps of APEX units in a period of one frame related to acquisition / reading of image data. You can change the exposure.

  When the LV display is performed on the display unit 109, the brightness of the subject in the LV display is rapidly increased by executing the second exposure control with a moderate exposure change degree as illustrated in FIG. Can be prevented, and the uncomfortable feeling given to the user can be suppressed. On the contrary, when LV display is performed on the display unit 109, the exposure is changed by executing the first exposure control with a sharp exposure change degree as shown in FIG. The required time can be shortened.

  As described above, when the LV display is not performed in the interval shooting mode, the camera 1 of the present embodiment displays the exposure change degree and the LV display based on the timing when the LV display instruction is given between successive imaging. The start timing can be controlled. With this configuration, even when an LV display instruction is given in the interval shooting mode, the LV display is executed according to the user's intention, and the intermittent exposure is performed by setting an exposure suitable for the interval shooting. Can do. Therefore, the camera 1 that implements the present embodiment can suppress the acquisition of an image with brightness that is not suitable for interval shooting when an instruction to perform live view display is given during interval shooting.

  Returning to FIG. Since the process in step S313 is the same as the process in step S304 described above, a description thereof will be omitted. If the camera control unit 101 determines that the time measurement by the built-in timer 101a has not reached the automatic photometry timing (NO in step S313), the process proceeds to step S314. In step S314, the camera control unit 101 determines whether an instruction to turn off the LV display is given by the user. If the instruction to turn off the LV display is not given, the process returns to step S312 to repeat the LV display on the display unit 109 and the second exposure control according to the change in the brightness of the subject. If an instruction to turn off the LV display is given, the process returns to step S303.

  If the camera control unit 101 determines that the time measurement by the built-in timer 101a has reached the automatic metering timing (YES in step S313), the process proceeds to step S315. In step S315, the display control unit 113 turns off the LV display on the display unit 109 in preparation for an imaging preparation operation and an imaging operation related to intermittent imaging. The subsequent processes in steps S316 to S318 are the same as the processes in steps S305 to S307 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. Further, the processing in steps S319 to S321 is as described above in the case where the LV display instruction is not issued between successive imaging in the interval shooting mode. The above is the interval shooting process of this embodiment.

  A plurality of (recording) image data acquired by the interval photographing process is read from the memory 102 by the memory control unit 107. Then, the camera control unit 101 connects (combines) a plurality of recording image data in the order in which they were acquired (the order in which they were captured) based on information associated with the image data, and generates a time-lapse moving image. The generation of the time-lapse moving image may be performed in parallel with the interval shooting process. That is, the camera control unit 101 may connect the acquired image data for recording every time each of the intermittent imaging is executed in the interval shooting mode.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary timing chart regarding exposure control and display control of the camera 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram exemplarily explaining a timing chart in a case where an LV display instruction is not issued between successive imaging in the interval shooting mode. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart when an LV display instruction is issued between successive imaging in the interval shooting mode. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart when the imaging interval of intermittent imaging in the interval shooting mode is equal to or less than a predetermined interval.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when an LV display instruction is not issued during imaging in the interval shooting mode, the camera 1 performs metering of an object at automatic photometry timing of imaging without considering the appearance of LV display. Perform pre-imaging exposure control. With this configuration, the camera 1 of the present embodiment can reduce unnecessary power consumption when an LV display instruction is not issued between imaging in the interval shooting mode.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, when an LV display instruction is given before a predetermined timing during imaging in the interval shooting mode, the camera 1 performs the second operation with the start of LV display. Perform exposure control. In addition, when an LV display instruction is given after a predetermined timing during imaging in the interval shooting mode, the camera 1 executes the first exposure control before starting the LV display. With this configuration, the camera 1 of the present embodiment sets the exposure suitable for the interval shooting and the execution of the LV display according to the user's intention even when the LV display instruction is given in the interval shooting mode. Intermittent imaging can be performed.

  The camera 1 of the present embodiment further determines whether or not the LV display is displayed on the display unit 109 based on whether or not the imaging interval in the interval shooting mode is equal to or less than a predetermined time interval (first interval). You may employ | adopt the structure to control. The details will be described below.

  For example, when the imaging interval of interval shooting is short, the probability that the brightness of the subject changes greatly between imaging is low. In this case, there is a high probability that the second exposure control can be completed with the execution of the LV display even at a short imaging interval.

  Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the display control unit 113 performs control so that the display state of the LV display is not changed between the imagings when the imaging interval in the interval imaging is equal to or less than a predetermined interval.

  For example, when the imaging interval in the interval shooting mode is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time interval and the LV display is not executed, the display control unit 113 may perform the next even if an LV display instruction is given between consecutive imaging. Control is performed so that the LV display is not started until the imaging of the image is completed. In this case, the display control unit 113 starts LV display on the display unit 109 after the next imaging in the interval shooting mode is completed. Further, the exposure control unit 116 executes the second exposure control with the start of the LV display. If the imaging interval is larger than the predetermined time interval, as described above, the exposure change degree and the timing for starting the LV display may be controlled based on the timing when the LV display instruction is issued. .

  Since the camera 1 employing the above configuration can suppress frequent switching of the display state of the display unit 109 in the interval shooting mode, it can suppress a sense of discomfort given to the user. In addition, the camera 1 adopting the above configuration can be given to the user because the exposure can be controlled so that the degree of change becomes gradual according to the change in the brightness of the subject while performing the LV display on the display unit 109. A sense of incongruity can be suppressed.

  In the configuration described above, when the imaging interval in the interval shooting mode is equal to or less than a predetermined time interval, the second exposure control is performed after the next imaging in response to the user's LV display instruction between imaging. Although the configuration to be executed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first exposure control may be executed after the completion of the next imaging, and the LV display may be started after the first exposure control. That is, when the imaging interval in the interval shooting mode is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time interval, the state of the LV display on the display unit 109 is changed until the next imaging based on an instruction to change the state of the LV display between the imagings. Any configuration that does not need to be used.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the camera 1 is configured to generate a time-lapse moving image in the interval shooting mode, but may be configured not to generate a time-lapse moving image. In the above-described embodiment, the camera control unit 101 is configured to generate a time-lapse moving image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the acquired image data is transmitted from the camera control unit 101 to an external device provided outside the camera 1 and a time-lapse moving image is generated in the external device.

  In the embodiment described above, the AF control process is not executed except for the first imaging in the interval shooting process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the AF control process is executed for each intermittent imaging in the interval imaging process. With this configuration, the lens position of the imaging lens group 202 can be controlled for each imaging in intermittent imaging, and the subject can be accurately focused.

  In the above-described embodiment, the camera control unit 101, the display control unit 113, the photometry unit 115, the exposure control unit 116, and the like operate in cooperation with each other to control the operation of the camera 1. It is not limited to this. For example, a computer program according to the flow shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the memory 102 in advance. The computer program may be executed by the camera control unit 101 including a microcomputer to control the operation of the camera 1.

  Moreover, as long as it has the function of a program, it does not ask | require the form of programs, such as an object code, the program run by an interpreter, the script data supplied to OS. The recording medium for supplying the program may be, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk or a magnetic tape, or an optical / magneto-optical recording medium.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a digital camera is employed as an example of an imaging apparatus that implements the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which an imaging device other than a digital camera, such as a portable device such as a digital video camera or a smartphone, or a security camera, may be employed.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, the present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read the program. It can also be realized by executing processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 100 Camera main body 101 Camera control part 103 Image pick-up element 109 Display part 115 Photometry part 116 Exposure control part

Claims (9)

An imaging apparatus having an imaging unit and having an interval shooting mode for performing intermittent imaging,
A metering means for metering the subject;
Exposure control means for performing exposure control based on a photometric result of the photometry means;
A display unit for performing live view display of an image acquired using the imaging unit;
Have
The exposure control means is instructed to perform live view display after a predetermined timing between the intermittent imaging when the live view display is not performed on the display unit in the interval shooting mode. In this case, the first exposure control is executed before the start of the live view display on the display unit, and when an instruction to execute the live view display is given before the predetermined timing, An image pickup apparatus that executes second exposure control for controlling exposure so that the degree of change is more gradual than that of the first exposure control with the start of live view display. Display control means for controlling display of an image on the display unit;
When the live control display is not performed on the display unit in the interval shooting mode and the display control unit is instructed to execute the live view display after the predetermined timing, the display control unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a live view display on the display unit is controlled after the first exposure control is completed.   In the interval shooting mode, when the live view display is not performed on the display unit and the imaging interval of the intermittent imaging is equal to or less than a predetermined time interval, the display control means 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the live view display is not started until the next imaging is completed even if an instruction to execute the live view display is issued between the various imaging operations. In the interval shooting mode, when the live view display is not performed on the display unit and the imaging interval of the intermittent imaging is equal to or less than a predetermined time interval, the display control means In response to an instruction to perform live view display between various imaging operations, control is performed to perform live view display on the display unit after the next imaging is completed,
In the interval shooting mode, when the live view display is not performed on the display unit and the interval of the intermittent imaging is equal to or less than a predetermined time interval, the exposure control means The second exposure control is performed in accordance with an instruction to perform live view display between various image capturing operations, in accordance with the start of live view display on the display unit. 3. The imaging device according to 3. The predetermined timing is a first timing,
In the interval shooting mode, when the live view display is performed on the display unit, the display control unit includes a second time that is shorter than the first timing in the intermittent imaging. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein control is performed so that live view display on the display unit is not performed at a timing.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second timing is a timing for starting a preparation operation when each imaging in the intermittent imaging is executed.   The predetermined timing is a timing at which the exposure control unit can change the exposure corresponding to the maximum value from the minimum value that can be set in the imaging apparatus by executing the second exposure control from the predetermined timing. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. A control method for an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup means and having an interval shooting mode for executing intermittent image pickup,
A metering process for metering the subject;
An exposure control step of performing exposure control based on a photometric result in the photometric step;
Have
In the exposure control step, in the interval shooting mode, an instruction to perform live view display after a predetermined timing between the intermittent imaging is performed when live view display of an image is not performed on the display unit. If the instruction is issued, the first exposure control is executed before the start of the live view display on the display unit, and the live view display on the display unit is instructed before the predetermined timing. Performs the second exposure control for controlling the exposure so that the degree of change is more gradual than the first exposure control with the start of the live view display on the display unit. Control method.   A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an imaging apparatus according to claim 8.

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